Thermobimetal is a laminate of two different metals with different temperature coefficients used for buildings facades or shading systems. It is a composite metal that warps during temperature differences, displaying self-shading and self-ventilating properties.
Thermobimetal is a smart material originally used as an automatic shading system to create breathable buildings.
This article discusses the features and applications of thermobimetal in construction.
Features of Themobimetals in Construction
As per ASTM, a thermostatic bimetal is defined as “a composite material, usually in the form of a sheet or strip, comprising of two or more materials of any appropriate nature, metallic or otherwise, which, by virtue of the differing expansivities of the components, tends to alter its curvature when its temperature is changed.”
Thermobimetal is formed by laminating two different metals, usually steel and copper, together. These units bend in one direction when heated, and when they cool down, they come back to their original position. The larger the difference in thermal coefficients, the higher the displacement of the metals.
One metal expands faster than the other in a thermobimetal, causing it to curl because the slow-expanding metal constricts the movement.
Different metals can be used for thermobimetal design and calibrated to respond to the environment dynamically.
Thermobimetal facade skin is composed of many individual cut plates. The gaps between the plates allow for variation in size, expansion, and curvature during temperature changes.
When the metal plates are heated up, they curl and open up to a pattern, as shown in figure-2. This allows more airflow into a space. When the temperature decreases, the metal folds back and closes the façade.
Application of Thermobimetals in Construction
- Used as a ventilation system to let hot air up and release it through the gaps.
- Thermobimetal core embedded within double glazed window system reacts and provides shade in response to the temperature of the sun.
- Used in high-rise buildings to reduce building energy needs during a power outage.
A thermobimetal facade is designed to utilize ventilation and solar energy efficiently. Unlike other shading systems, thermobimetal skin does not require complex sensors or energy to make the facade work.
The building skins from thermobimetal can maintain the thermal comfort in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
FAQs
Thermobimetal is a laminate of two different metals with different temperature coefficients used for buildings facades or shading systems.
Thermobimetal facade skin is composed of many individual cut plates. The gaps between the plates allow for variation in size, expansion, and curvature during temperature changes.
When the metal plates are heated up, they curl and open up to a pattern. This allows more airflow into a space. When the temperature decreases, the metal folds back and closes the façade.
A thermobimetal facade is designed to utilize ventilation and solar energy efficiently. Unlike other shading systems, thermobimetal skin does not require complex sensors or energy to make the façade work.
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